“You’re going to find yourself with more lows than highs.”  Simple saying that Preston Wrisley, who is fresh off a victory at Wake County Speedway, keeps in the back of his mind as grows in his race craft and chasing his next checkered flag!

Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina

Number: 35

Division: Semi-Pro

Team: 860 Motorsports

 

1. How did you get your start in racing?
Mainly through my dad and my brother. My dad raced Legend Cars with CJ (D’Addario) over 10 years ago. We’ve always been around it; it was just a matter of time before I started racing myself. My brother was the first one to hop into a car, then me and then my dad.

2. Why did you pick the number 35?
I was originally number 4 the first time I ran. Then I switched to number 35 because I was getting annoyed with the race monitor, as there were too many number 4s. I just thought, “What number would no one have?” and decided on number 35.

3. Who is your inspiration?
Mainly my father. He’s been doing this for a long time, and he’s the one coaching me, trying to keep my mindset where it should be. He always tells me, “You’re going to find yourself with more lows than highs in racing and getting your butt kicked.” He’s kept me on the right mental track. Also, Max Reeves always gives me a hard time about things, and that pushes me to keep going and want to win races.

4. Do you have any hobbies outside of racing?
Golf, mainly. It used to be baseball and tennis, but I got into pickleball and golf. Those are the two main things I do outside of racing.

5. How do you balance your personal life and racing?
Mainly through communication. You have to make sure you're staying ahead of things before they become a problem and communicate with the people around you.

6. How do you get focused before a race?
I’ll go watch a few races, which does not help. I enjoy watching the Young Lions races. Before I hop in the car, I put in my earbuds and listen to one song, trying to hear the song in its entirety. I’m also particular about where I put my stuff, so everything has to be in the exact same spot before I can get comfortable in the car.

7. What's your favorite racing memory?
The fourth race I ever did, [at] the Summer Shootout, I finished 5th. I never thought I’d finish in that position for a while. Also, my brother winning at Wake County Speedway, and pushing him into the win was pretty cool. I remember grabbing him up on the stage and lifting him up.

8. What is your favorite track?
I like Wake County Speedway, but Auburndale Speedway this year was cool too. It would be between Wake County Speedway, Auburndale Speedway, and the first track I raced at for Summer Shootout.

9. What has been the most challenging part of driving a Legend Car?
For me, it was catching up to everyone. I’d never raced anything before, so driving an actual race car was a new experience. My body was being thrown around in the car, and I had to get used to racing side by side with people without getting too worried about what was going on around me. The biggest challenge in the beginning was being able to communicate what the car was doing, but that came with time and experience.

10. What is it like racing with your family, including your brother, in the same division?
I hate it. My dad races in his own division, so that’s not an issue. But racing with my brother in the same division can be a nightmare.

11. What were your emotions when your father won the Masters Division Championship in the Winter Nationals this year?
It was bittersweet. I was really excited for him, but at the same time, I came up short myself. I was so happy for him because I know he’s been trying to win it for a long time, but I couldn’t help but feel down seeing the other Semi-Pros with their trophies while I was kicking myself.

12. What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a Legend Car driver?
You need someone to coach you, someone who can work one-on-one with you to give you the special attention you need. And another thing my dad always says is, “You’re going to find yourself with more lows than highs.” It’s a heartbreaking sport, and you have to realize that you won’t be winning all the time.